Nathan's wooden sculptures ‘release the sunlight'

By BRIAN MOORE

NATHAN Solomon says he is using his chainsaw to ‘release the sunlight’ from his wooded sculptures.

Originally from Kent, Nathan has been living in West Cork and working with locally-grown wood for over 20 years. ‘I worked in a sawmill for many years and I have always been interested in woodcarving. I have always used a chainsaw and found that I could get some really good results, even on very delicate pieces,’ he said.

Having recently opened his workshop in Drimoleague, Nathan has had heads turning with his display of carved garden ornaments, tables, chairs and other sculptures, along the main Dunmanway road.

‘I set up a lot of my work so that people could see it as they drive by. The carvings are for display in gardens and other outdoor areas, so what better place to see them than here?’ Nathan continued.

Not all Nathan’s wood carvings are big pieces, some are smaller and are very delicate and intricate. ‘The animal sculptures are very popular. The owls, especially, but I also carve foxes, rabbits and other birds. In fact, I have a commission for a giraffe and I am currently working on a penguin. So, whatever you want, I can carve,’ Nathan said.

Nathan’s other commissions can be seen around the area and he is currently working on a special piece for Ballydehob.

‘I have this theory that trees trap the sunlight in the wood and it’s my job, with my carving, to release this once more. There is no limit to what can be achieved with the wood. The garden tables, which use the centre section of a tree, are very popular, and people find that they really complement their gardens. As with the tables, the garden chairs are all unique as no two pieces of wood are the same. I use Oak and Douglas Fir, which I find to be the best for sculpting, but I am open to any ideas that customers might have,’ he added.

For more info, or to see samples of Nathan’s work, you can log onto his Facebook page at Wyrdwoods or contact Nathan on 086 0849127 or email [email protected]